CASE CHARGE DISPUTE

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25734, 21 February 1949, Page 6

CASE CHARGE DISPUTE

MARKET SCHEME FOR WELLINGTON “ BOYCOTT IS WAR ” (P.A.i WELLINGTON. Feb. 20. The New Zealand Federation of Retail Fruiterers and Greengrocers would consider arbitration in an attempt to settle the dispute over container charges between produce growers and retailers; but it would not attend a meeting of the type suggested by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mi- A. H. Nordmeyer), said the secretary of the Wellington branch (Mr S. Chesney) to-night. Meetings such 'as that sfiggested by the Minister had taken place over the years, Mr Chesney said; but the federation considered them a waste of time, as their der cisions were not binding in any way. Mr Chesney said that numerous growers between Wellington and Ohakune had intimated that they were sending produce to Wellington to-mor-row without container charges. Some was already on the way. Offers of manpower fo'r selling the produce were coming in from vegetable growers up-country. The Dominion president of the Commercial Growers of New Zealand (Mr B. V. Cooksley) said to-night that accommodation would be a problem. Billeting might be used; otherwise camping gear would be sought. Growers up-country would load their trucks with produce and what extra help they could spare, come into Wellington, turn their trucks into sale depots, and then keep them stocked with supplies sent by transport operators or rail. “The fact that we have the vegetables the housewife wants gives growers the initiative,” said Mr Cooksley. “The cash received from the sale of our produce gives us the sinews of war. Boycott is war and the growers this time are determined to settle this once and for all.” Mr Cooksley said Christchurch auctioneers were selling to the public in any way they wanted and had stated they were willing to keep open till the markets were cleared.